Frederick “Fred” “Tag” Taggart

Fred, a sweetheart of a guy, was born February 14, 1920 on his parents’ farm in Hebron. He graduated from Hebron High School in 1938 where he participated extensively in extracurricular sports. He was a pitcher on the baseball team; an offensive end and defensive linebacker on the football team; and a forward on the basketball team. After graduation, he moved to Columbus to attend the Columbus Business School while working as a busboy at the restaurant in Dunn and Taft’s department store. In 1940, Fred got his first full time job at the Ohio Farm Bureau as a records clerk for $60 a month. He met Maxine Davis at Hoovers Restaurant in downtown Columbus and they were married on November 18, 1942. Two years later, Fred began work as a Fire Underwriter for Buckeye Union Insurance. He rose through the ranks and at his retirement in 1985, he was the Manager of the Regional Commercial Package/ Multi-Peril Department, a Vice President of Buckeye, and a Secretary in the parent Continental Insurance Companies.

Fred and Maxine lived on the westside of Columbus where they raised their family of five children. They attended St. John Lutheran Church where Fred held various positions including President of the Congregation, and in the early 1960’s, he served on the Planning Committee when the church undertook a major plan to enlarge its building. Fred was also involved in the Westgate Booster Club, a fund-raising organization that assisted the little league football Westgate Hawks Boys Club. He served as Vice President in 1970, and as President in 1971. In 1996, Fred and Maxine moved to London, Ohio, and in 2009, they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Fred enjoyed playing golf, watching Ohio State University sports, and working in his garden.

Fred was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Emma Taggart; one sister, Thelma Taggart Holliday; and three brothers, Lawrence, Frank, and Karl.